Date: Wednesday 12th November 2025Time: 6:00pmLocation: The Gateway, 20-22 King Street, Bathgate, EH48 1AXCost: Free (registration required) Thinking about starting a social enterprise? If you’ve ever had an idea to make a positive difference in your community, this informal workshop is for you. Join Voluntary Sector Gateway West Lothian (VSGWL) to explore how to turn…
Registration now closed.
We’re pleased to invite our partners, third sector organisations and social enterprises from across West Lothian to our festive networking afternoon on Wednesday 17th December, from 3pm to 5pm at The Gateway. This informal gathering is a chance to round off the year together, share updates, and make new connections with colleagues and partners from…
The Social Enterprise Forum is open to all social enterprises operating in West Lothian (a social enterprise is an organisation that is trading and has an asset lock). It is facilitated by The Gateway to enable enterprises’ engagement across West Lothian and its strategic partnerships, provide networking opportunities, peer support and learning. Meetings alternate every…
The Third Sector Strategy Group (TSSG) is open to all Third Sector organisations across West Lothian. This is an opportunity for you to: Influence the work of Voluntary Sector Gateway West Lothian Amplify your collective voice to local and national government and statutory bodies Network with peers from other organisations The group is chaired by…
The Positive Ageing Services Forum is a space for third sector organisations working with older people in West Lothian to connect, collaborate and influence. The forum offers a valuable opportunity to: Build strong partnerships Share knowledge, ideas and resources Strengthen communication across organisations Influence local and national policy Improve the range and quality of services for older…
The West Lothian Volunteer Network (WLVN) is an informal support network for Volunteer Managers and Coordinators across West Lothian. It provides a space to share information, best practices and resources—while building strong partnerships that promote and celebrate volunteering locally. More Information
Level 1 Adult Support and Protection Training Online | Wednesday 4th March | 2:00pm – 3:30pm This Level 1 Adult Support and Protection Training provides an introduction to adult support and protection, including key roles and responsibilities, and is suitable for those who require an overview of adults at risk of harm. The session is…
VSGWL coordinates the Third Sector Employability Forum to bring together local third sector organisations involved in employability and community support. The forum provides space to: Share updates, resources, and good practice. Build relationships and referral routes. Identify gaps and opportunities. Feed into local and national employability strategy. The Forum is currently chaired by Alan McCloskey (Interim Chair). Join…
The Social Enterprise Forum is open to all social enterprises operating in West Lothian (a social enterprise is an organisation that is trading and has an asset lock). It is facilitated by The Gateway to enable enterprises’ engagement across West Lothian and its strategic partnerships, provide networking opportunities, peer support and learning. Meetings alternate every…
Age Scotland is offering a free, in-person workshop for staff and volunteers who support older people. The three-hour session provides practical, research-based guidance to help improve health and wellbeing in later life, while giving participants the opportunity to reflect on their current practice and explore new approaches. The workshop covers key topics including physical activity,…
The Children and Families Forum brings together voluntary, community and non-profit organisations from across West Lothian to help shape and strengthen the support available for children, young people and families. By working together, we aim to: Increase the impact of the Third Sector in planning and delivering services Share knowledge, experience and ideas Influence local…
Whether you are currently a trustee or thinking about becoming one, this session will help you better understand the important role trustees play in charities and voluntary organisations. Our Trustee Journey Training provides a practical introduction to the responsibilities of trustees and how effective boards help organisations thrive. This session is suitable for: • Current…
The Third Sector Strategy Group (TSSG) is open to all Third Sector organisations across West Lothian. This is an opportunity for you to: Influence the work of Voluntary Sector Gateway West Lothian Amplify your collective voice to local and national government and statutory bodies Network with peers from other organisations The group is chaired by…
Voluntary Sector Gateway West Lothian is hosting an online Volunteer Management Training Session designed to support organisations to effectively recruit, support and retain volunteers. Thursday 9th April1:00pm – 3:00pmOnline This session will introduce the key principles of effective volunteer management and how to create a positive, well-supported volunteering experience. Topics will include: Legal and regulatory…
Voluntary Sector Gateway West Lothian is pleased to offer this YGAM Social Care training session, designed to help build confidence in supporting young people around gaming and gambling harms. Delivered by Ygam, an award-winning charity dedicated to helping young people lead safe digital lives, this interactive workshop will explore the digital environments young people navigate…
Looking to get involved in your community but not sure where to start? Join our Volunteer Opportunities Showcase event and discover a range of ways you can make a difference across West Lothian. This online session brings together local organisations who are actively looking for volunteers – each giving a short, friendly overview of how…
We’re pleased to invite organisations across West Lothian to our upcoming Green Champion Training, delivered in partnership with West Lothian Climate Action Network and Business Energy Scotland. This free, CPD-certified session is designed to help you improve your organisation’s environmental performance while identifying practical opportunities to reduce costs. What you’ll learn Identify cost-saving and environmental…
We’re delighted to confirm that the VSGWL Volunteer Awards will return in 2026, following the huge success of last year’s event. The awards will take place on: Thursday 4 June 2026as part of Volunteers’ Week (Monday 1 June – Sunday 7 June 2026) This special event will once again shine a spotlight on the incredible contribution volunteers make across…
Join us for a fun and informal football-themed networking event in Bathgate. Enjoy food, activities, and a lively World Cup atmosphere while connecting with others in a welcoming and inclusive setting. Book your place: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/world-cup-themed-networking-event-tickets-1991971358957?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true
Join Triceratops Training for this practical online session exploring how charities can develop a wider range of income streams to build long-term financial sustainability. The session will explore the different sources of income available to charitable organisations and provide a simple approach to identifying the options that best suit your organisation. It is aimed at…
New to AI? This one-hour introductory session is designed for absolute beginners who want to understand what AI is, how it can be used in the workplace, and how to start using it with confidence. We'll cover the basics in a simple, jargon-free way, including practical uses, writing effective prompts, and important considerations such as…
Curious about carbon literacy but not sure what it involves? Join West Lothian Climate Action Network (WLCAN) for a free, 30-minute online lunchtime taster session to learn what Carbon Literacy training is, why it matters, and how it can help you or your organisation take practical action on climate change. This relaxed session is a…
Are you interested in volunteering but not sure where to start? Come along to our Volunteer Opportunities Showcase this September and discover some of the fantastic ways you can get involved across West Lothian. Voluntary Sector Gateway West Lothian (The Gateway) is bringing together local organisations to showcase a range of volunteering opportunities available in the area.…
Are you looking to make your community building more energy efficient, reduce running costs or explore opportunities for renewable energy? Join us for a free online session exploring the support and funding available to help community organisations across West Lothian develop energy efficiency and community energy projects. Wednesday 30 September 2026 3.00pm Online The session…
